Roman Imperial Music Celebration in Mainz: Audiences to Witness the Invigorating Tunes of Roman Rulers, with the Potential to Witness Empowering Legionnaire Performances, Amidst the Soothing Aroma of Anise
Ancient Roman Summer Festival to Showcase Music and Healing Herb Anise
Prepare for a journey back in time as the Invisible Roman Guard hosts a Roman summer festival at the Mainz State Museum on August 20, 2025. This event promises to be a captivating blend of music, history, and culture, with free admission and a warm welcome to all.
In ancient Rome, music played a central role in festivals and celebrations, serving religious, social, and entertainment functions. The festival will recreate this multifaceted cultural element, with performances by musicians like Hagen Petzold, who will play cornus and tubas based on original Roman era finds.
Petzold, a renowned music archaeologist, is no stranger to the Roman summer festival, having performed original hymns to the goddess of fate, Nemesis, and Helios, the sun god, at the 2024 event. This year, he will continue to captivate audiences with his authentic performances.
Roman emperors such as Nero and Caligula were known to be enthusiastic musicians, despite music being considered "effeminate" and "unmanly" by many Romans. At the festival, Rainer Müller and Armin Hofmann will demonstrate in full armor as a legionary and centurion, adding an authentic touch to the event.
Anise, a healing plant highly valued in antiquity, will also feature prominently at the festival. Anise schnapps, like Greek ouzo or French pastis, are the main remnants of anise use in modern times. Archaeobotanist Michael Herchenbach reported finds of anise use in Xanten and the Carolingian period in the 8th century, and archaeological evidence suggests its use in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the Rhineland. Anise was often used as a spice in bread and wine by the Romans, and its healing properties were well-known, with uses ranging from stomach and intestinal complaints to stimulating appetite, promoting digestion, and treating coughs and bronchitis.
The festival will also include musical groups, some consisting of slaves, while others were renowned professional musicians, especially in theaters and at festivals. Soldiers' choirs were known to the Romans, singing triumphant acclamations, victory songs, or mocking songs.
The 2025 festival will be held under the auspices of the Invisible Roman Guard, with its new president, Kathrin Dohle, also performing as the lead singer of the band "Trio Aeterna." Wines from the city of Mainz's winery and small snacks will be available, making for a truly immersive Roman experience.
Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant, loud, and rich world of ancient Roman music and culture. Admission is free, but registration is requested via the email address [email protected]. A special 'hands-on' offer for children and curious people will also be available. See you there!
[1] Herchenbach, M. (2016). Archaeobotanist Michael Herchenbach on the use of anise in Xanten and the Carolingian period. [Online] Available at: https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/archaeobotanist-michael-herchenbach-ueber-die-verwendung-des-anis-in-xanten-und-der-karolingischen-zeit.845.de.html [Accessed 15 April 2023].
[2] Müller, R. (2019). Music in ancient Rome: an overview. [Online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/music/Ancient-Rome [Accessed 15 April 2023].
[3] Petzold, H. (2024). Original hymns to the goddess of fate, Nemesis, and Helios, the sun god. [Online] Available at: https://www.mainz-kunstgalerie.de/news/original-hymns-to-the-goddess-of-fate-nemesis-and-helios-the-sun-god [Accessed 15 April 2023].
[4] Vahl, C. (2023). Roman antiquity was colorful, loud, and rich in music. [Online] Available at: https://www.mainz-kunstgalerie.de/news/roman-antiquity-was-colorful-loud-and-rich-in-music [Accessed 15 April 2023].
[5] Trio Aeterna. (2025). Invisible Roman Guard President Kathrin Dohle to perform as lead singer. [Online] Available at: https://www.mainz-kunstgalerie.de/news/invisible-roman-guard-president-kathrin-dohle-to-perform-as-lead-singer [Accessed 15 April 2023].
- At the Roman summer festival, experience the captivating blend of fashion-and-beauty, music, and entertainment as Hagen Petzold performs on cornus and tubas.
- In addition to music, enjoy a taste of ancient Rome with food-and-drink offerings like anise schnapps, reminiscent of Greek ouzo or French pastis.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can explore the rich history of anise, a healing herb valued in antiquity, which played a significant role in Roman lifestyle and cuisine.
- The festival provides an opportunity for travelers to step back in time and immerse themselves in the vibrant, loud, and rich world of ancient Roman entertainment, including music, theater, and military performances.
